Pakistan’s import activity continues to grow in the new fiscal year.
During July and August 2026, Pakistan imported approximately USD12.58 billion worth of goods.
That was around 13% higher than the same period last year.
At the same time, Pakistan’s trade deficit widened to approximately USD7.12 billion, an increase of more than 18% year on year.
For importers, the numbers show something important:
More cargo is entering Pakistan even while freight, fuel and Middle East shipping conditions remain uncertain.
Businesses therefore need to pay more attention to:
- Freight costs
- Shipment tracking
- Customs
- Port delays
- Inland delivery
- Landed cost
If you already have an import moving, start with Maalbardaar Free Shipment Tracking.
How Much Did Pakistan Import in July-August 2026?
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data reported in September:
- Imports: USD12.58 billion
- Imports a year earlier: USD11.13 billion
- Year-on-year import growth: approximately 13%
- Exports: approximately USD5.46 billion
- Trade deficit: approximately USD7.12 billion
- Trade-deficit increase: approximately 18.1%
View Pakistan Bureau of Statistics external trade data
Read the latest trade-deficit report from Business Recorder
What Happened in August 2026?
Imports slowed compared with the unusually high July level.
August imports were approximately USD5.68 billion, down from about USD6.89 billion in July.
However, compared with August 2025, imports were still around 7.4% higher.
The August trade deficit stood at approximately USD3.17 billion.
This suggests Pakistan is still seeing meaningful import demand even as businesses face higher energy and logistics costs.
Why Does Rising Import Volume Matter for Logistics?
More imports mean more cargo moving through:
- Karachi Port
- Port Qasim
- Air cargo terminals
- Customs
- Inland trucking networks
For individual businesses, the national trade deficit is less important than what increased cargo volumes can mean operationally.
Potential pressure points include:
- Vessel space
- Container availability
- Terminal movement
- Customs workload
- Inland transport
- Warehousing
This makes shipment planning more important.
Which Ports Handle Pakistan’s Import Cargo?
A large share of Pakistan’s international containerized cargo moves through the Karachi area.
Major facilities include:
Karachi Port
Terminals include:
- KICT
- SAPT
- KGTL
Use:
Port Qasim
Container traffic can move through QICT.
Use:
Why Is Import Tracking More Important Right Now?
Importers currently face several moving variables at the same time.
These include:
- Middle East shipping disruption
- Changing vessel schedules
- Higher marine fuel costs
- Higher Pakistan diesel prices
- Customs changes
- Freight-rate volatility
An importer cannot control these conditions.
But the business can monitor where the shipment actually is.
Use:
with your:
- Container number
- BL
- Booking number
- AWB
Are Pakistan Import Costs Increasing?
Not every import will face the same cost increase.
However, several parts of the supply chain are currently under pressure.
These include:
- International fuel prices
- Gulf freight surcharges
- Marine insurance
- Pakistan diesel prices
- Inland trucking
On September 15, petrol reached Rs380.24 per litre and high-speed diesel reached Rs409.42 per litre.
Read:
Pakistan Petrol and Diesel Prices: Impact on Freight
How Is the Middle East Affecting Pakistan Imports?
Pakistan’s logistics network is closely connected with the Gulf.
Cargo can move through or connect with:
- UAE
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Regional transshipment hubs
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has sharply reduced vessel traffic and increased uncertainty around regional shipping.
For a complete breakdown, read:
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Crisis 2026
What Should Importers Do Before Cargo Arrives?
Prepare before vessel arrival.
Check:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- HS or PCT code
- Import permissions
- Customs requirements
- Latest ETA
- Terminal
Do not wait for the vessel to discharge before beginning the customs process.
How Can I Estimate My Import Cost?
Your landed cost can include:
- Product cost
- International freight
- Insurance
- Customs duty
- Additional customs duty
- Regulatory duty
- Sales tax
- Other applicable taxes
- Terminal charges
- Clearing costs
- Inland trucking
Exact duties depend on the HS or PCT classification and applicable rules.
Use:
if you need help understanding the Pakistan-side process.
Importing From China?
China remains one of the most important sourcing markets for Pakistani businesses.
Maalbardaar has a full route guide covering:
- FCL
- LCL
- Air cargo
- Container rates
- Major Chinese origins
- Pakistan ports
Read:
Importing From the Gulf?
If cargo is coming from:
- Dubai
- Jebel Ali
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
confirm the latest carrier schedule before relying on the original ETA.
Current Middle East disruptions can cause:
- Vessel changes
- New surcharges
- Delays
- Alternative routing
Track active shipments through:
Maalbardaar Free Shipment Tracking
What Should Pakistani Importers Watch Next?
The most important factors include:
- September import data
- International oil prices
- Pakistan fuel prices
- Hormuz shipping conditions
- Freight surcharges
- Customs changes
- Exchange rate
Importers should monitor these conditions alongside their individual shipment status.
Need a Freight Quote?
If you are planning a new import, request a current rate rather than using an old freight quote.
Use:
For end-to-end support:
Maalbardaar Freight Forwarding
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Pakistan import in July-August 2026?
Approximately USD12.58 billion.
Is Pakistan’s trade deficit increasing?
Yes. The July-August FY27 deficit increased around 18.1% year on year to approximately USD7.12 billion.
Are Pakistan imports increasing?
Imports increased around 13% year on year in the first two months of FY27.
Where can I track an import into Pakistan?
Use Maalbardaar Shipment Tracking.
Can Maalbardaar help with customs?
Yes. Use Maalbardaar Customs Clearance.
Final Takeaway
Pakistan’s import numbers show that businesses are continuing to bring significant volumes of cargo into the country.
But the operating environment is becoming more complicated.
Importers now need to manage:
- Freight rates
- Fuel
- Customs
- Port movement
- Shipment visibility
If your cargo is already moving, the first step is simple:
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